Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) continues to stir the transfer market with a clear dual-strategy: securing future talents while maintaining a firm grip on their current assets.
The French giants have reportedly finalized the signing of 2008-born prospect Dro Fernandez from Barcelona’s La Masia for a fee of €8 million.
While the arrival of the young Spaniard signals a long-term investment, it simultaneously casts a shadow over the immediate future of South Korean star Lee Kang-in.
The Arrival of a New Talent and Lee Kang-in’s Dilemma
The signing of Dro Fernandez—a versatile attacking midfielder known for his technical fundamentals—adds another layer of competition to Luis Enrique’s squad.
For Lee Kang-in, the situation is becoming increasingly complex.
Despite PSG blocking a potential move to Atletico Madrid this winter and even hinting at a contract renewal, the reality on the pitch tells a different story.
Lee remains a “tactical insurance” policy rather than an indispensable starter, often relegated to the bench in high-stakes matches.
Comparing PSG’s Strategy to Real Madrid’s Youth Focus
PSG’s move to snatch a Barcelona gem mirrors the aggressive youth recruitment strategies often seen by European rivals like Real Madrid.
While Real Madrid has successfully integrated young talents like Arda Güler and Endrick into a star-studded roster, PSG’s approach under Luis Enrique seems to create a “bottleneck” for players like Lee Kang-in.
The constant influx of “future assets” increases the pressure on current squad members to prove their worth in limited minutes, a challenge that even the most versatile players struggle to overcome.
Indispensable Asset or Just “Insurance”?
The core issue for Lee Kang-in is his role as a “nice-to-have” option rather than a core pillar of the project.
His ability to play as a false nine, winger, or central midfielder is a double-edged sword; it makes him useful for rotation but prevents him from cementing a single position in the best XI.
As PSG prepares for the next phase of their project, the question remains: is Lee being kept for his sporting merit, or is he simply a valuable asset being held until the right offer arrives?
